Skrell

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Skrell are a amphibious species, that come from tropical world of Qerrballak, or "The Crown", a humid planet filled with swamps and archipelagos. Skrell are a highly advanced and logical race who live under the rule of the Qerr'Katish monarchy, the main govermental body. Skrell are herbivores and opulent in nature thanks to central tenets of the Skrellian religion. While classically preferring diplomacy, the Skrell participate in the largest military alliance in the galaxy, the Solar-Central Compact."

Skrell

Basic Information

Homeworld:	The Crown
Language:	Skrellian (:k)
System:	Indus Eridus

Physiology

Height:	175cm
Lifespan:	70 years
Breathes:	Oxygen

Game Mechanics

• No special features.

Boons

• Headpocket (fits one small item).

• Underwater breathing.

• Cannot become obese.

Maluses

• -400% alcohol tolerance

Overview

The Skrell are an amphibious species from the tropical world of Qerrballak, or "The Crown," in the Jargon system. Their society is a long-standing constitutional monarchy that thrives on unity achieved through alliances among influential leaders and nobles. This unification allowed them avoid major conflicts and usher in a golden age of exploration, which allowed the Skrell to explore outside their aquatic society and colonize both land, and the stars.

Despite perceptions of physical frailty, Skrell are renowned for their diplomatic prowess, and spiritual tenets. Skrell disdain acts of violence or force, and cater more toward the battle of words and debate, as their religion encourages them. It also has led to Skrell being focused on fashion, and the culture around them, to be underdressed or appear out of style is damaging to their reputation and the arguments they speak. This has established them as key negotiators within the Solar Central Compact and anyone seeking mediators in galactic affairs. Their approachable relations with most species, except those from past conflicts, make them one of core pillars of the Solar Central Compact. The Skrell's engagement with the Trans-Solar Federations megacorporations has significantly boosted their economy, shifting their society towards an oligarchic structure in which money can prioritize most forms of growth, as some counter culture groups within their society argue.

Today, the Skrell monarchy remains intact, managing governance through appointed nobles and governors. However, humanity's influence has introduced challenges, including corporate interference and the emergence of counter groups, which has created active tension within Skrell society. Even with formed tension, Skrell are still considered some of the most noble and well mannered species in the Orion Sector.

Mechanics

Skrell biology is aquatic in nature, they have gills along their necks that allow them to breath underwater. They can grow tendrils around their head region, these tendrils allow them to store tiny items within and keep them secure. Their digestive system metabolizes food to avoid obesity, but possess weaker than average livers and experience the effects of alcohol by 400%.

Biology

Skrell are inherently aquatic beings, having over millennia, adapted to thrive in environments far removed from bodies of water and developed the ability to breathe out of water with certain limitations. To preserve their skin's moisture and maintain their natural mucous coating, crucial for their immune system, Skrell require access to water sources. Without such access they face issues of potential drying, a condition in which their skin becomes unhydrated, and progressively compromises their immune system after 5 days away from water. This challenge is prevalent when Skrell venture beyond their oceanic homeworlds into land or space for long periods of time. Modern Skrell have found practical solutions, opting for regular showers or splashing water on themselves. Well hydrated Skrell exhibit smooth, slippery skin adorned with a thin slime layer from the mucous shield, facilitating natural breathing through their skin. While also possessing a sense of smell from their nose, Skrell can detect scents even while holding their breath, a trait that brings its own issues or benefits depending on the situation.

Skrell possess webbed feet and hands, adaptations designed to navigate both the powerful ocean currents and serene streams of their homeworld. Naturally honing their swimming skills allows them to navigate across The Crown, particularly underwater. However, these webbed features hold no practical purpose on land or in the vastness of space. Some Skrell report that, after centuries of residing far from their oceanic lifestyle, the absence of webbing has emerged as a potential birth defect. Although genetically akin to their webbed counterparts, individuals with this condition often perceive it as a curse or harbinger of a shorter life compared to their webbed counterparts, due to other organs defects accompanying it.

Organically, Skrell share many similarities with amphibious species, such as frogs and mollusks, possessing a complex organ system adapted for aquatic environments. Their blood contains the blue copper-based pigment hemocyanin, from their natural oceanic origins, giving them a distinct blood composition compared to other species. Skrell also feature lungs and hearts capable of withstanding pressure in deep water regions. The skin enhances their breathing in high-pressure, low-oxygen areas. However, their liver, while essential, are weaker compared to those of other species, making Skrell vulnerable to toxic elements that can overwhelm their liver functions, possibly killing them.

The most noticeable feature among Skrell is the tendrils along their bodies, only found around the head of the Skrell. Functioning as water reserves for their skin and serving as a unique form of self-expression within the species, tendrils are critical in biology and physiology. Many Skrell take pleasure in cultivating their tendrils as they age, with the first tendrils typically appearing around their sixth sol year and reaching their maximum sprout count by adulthood. These tendrils can grow on the head, sometimes extending around the face and chin akin to a human's beard. All tendrils are flexible, allowing Skrell to wrap, move, and adjust them. Even being cutable to the discomfort of the Skrell, with the ability to regrow as the skin absorbs excess water to replenish storage reserves. Beyond their role in skin hydration and fashion, tendrils also serve as natural hiding places for small items, tightly securing objects to prevent them from falling out. Skrell can effortlessly unlock or tighten their tendrils at will, without needing much thought or focus to maintain.

Social

Naming Schemes

Traditional Skrellian names typically consist of a long string of alternating vowels and consonants with the surname typically incorporated into the main body of the given name. This peculiar system of naming appears to have been borne out of ancient Skrellian orthodoxy, where oneness of family (and thereby the incorporation of a surname into a given name) was held as a key tenet of Skrellian society.

However, with the incorporation of foreign culture - particularly human culture - this custom has begun to fall out of favour with Skrellian families no longer native to the Crown with many families christening themselves with new surnames.

Language

The Skrellian language consists of a series of higher pitched sounds which are mostly inaudible to non-Skrell. Due to these variations in intonation and pitch, often beyond the frequency most species are able to detect, Skrellian has few non-native speakers as it can't be reproduced or understood without mechanical assistance.

Though there are a few notable dialects on the world of the Crown, Skrell by and large all practice a common language understood by almost all speakers on their world. Following the advent of the Solar-Central Compact in 2385AD many Skrell have also began to practice Galactic Common; some families have even as far as to supplant the native Skrellian language with the far more broadly understood Galactic Common. Due to this linguistic shift, the Skrellian government issues documents and legislation in both Skrellian and Galactic Common.

Homeworld

The Skrellian homeworld known as the Crown, or Qerrballak in native Skrellian, is notable for its humidity, long island chains, lack of any continents, and its possession of three lunar satellites. The hot and cold seasons on the Crown are often mild, the vast oceans and high humidity isolating the world from drastic temperature changes. The average surface temperature on the Crown is 30C°, and prolonged periods of heavy rainfall or coastal storms are not unusual.

Though Skrell prefer to dwell underwater, much of the advanced industry on the Crown is located above water due to the exorbitant costs and difficulties associated with underwater construction. Despite land being at a premium, Skrellian industry is known for its high levels of productivity. This factor, combined with their cordial trade relations with Humans, has lead the burgeoning economy of the Crown to become one of the largest in the galaxies and subsequently a popular destination for intergalactic tourism.

Though Skrell native to the Crown enjoy a variety of comforts, this productivity has not been without its costs. The citizenry of the Crown, having initially seen their borders expanded beyond the reach of their solar system with no alien contact, called for the dismantling of their naval forces. This act, though a noble cost-cutting measure, left themselves open to both political outliers and what would become a rapidly growing pirate population. It wasn't until first contact with Humans, and the subsequent establishment of the Solar-Central Compact, that the Skrell were able to effectively rebuild their naval forces stamp out the issue of piracy, both on the Crown and abroad.

The jungles of the Crown are also inhabited by a species known as the Fyrsskar, reptilian sentient species that have been locked in perpetual animosity with the Skrell. Their technology is comparatively primitive, and is mostly salvaged from abandoned Skrellian ships and factories. While incapable of space flight, some Fyrsskian individuals have been occasionally hired as mercenaries and enforcers by certain companies despite objections from Skrellian officials.

A Brief History

Jargon 4

Skrellian history is rife with varying degrees of political and internal conflict. From the early wars between neighbouring enclaves of Skrell and the more recent issues of piracy, Skrell - despite their typically peaceful nature - are no strangers to political disagreements becoming violent. Though initially divided in their formative years, the population of the Crown was finally brought under a unified banner in the year 1396AD after a long and particularly costly war known as The Conflict of the Adrat Sea; a battle which was waged over the limited surface land available.

Once this battle had been laid to rest the Skrellian entered an era that they documented as "Adrat's Peace". Lasting from early 1400AD up until the later years of 1800AD, the Skrell were left undisturbed by the large military conquests of their ancestors and set their sights on the stars. Though the damage from the earlier conflict was immense, the Skrellian people were already well-industrialized and quickly set about to rebuilding their homeworld under the auspicious gaze of their new planetary government. By the year 1632AD, both the words of Jargon 3 and Jargon 5 had seen multiple missions, and eventually the establishment of permanent colonies upon their surface.

Bolstered by a space tourism boom and the discovery of FTL technologies, Skrell quickly explored the world beyond their immediate solar system and established several more colonies on the worlds bordering their system. After the proliferation of numerous border colonies with no sign or hint of alien life beyond their borders, Skrellian society turned their focus inward. Both emboldened and disheartened by the idea that they may be the only intelligent life in the galaxy, Skrellian arts and culture saw a revitalization that has lasting implications to the modern day.

This inward focus would lead to the eventual dismantling of the Skrellian navy in 2142 and the subsequent proliferation of piracy on the Crown based out of the Skrellian rimworld colonies. It wouldn't be until the discovery of the Skrell by Sol-Gov in 2296AD, and the later establishment of the Solar-Central Compact in 2385AD, that the Skrellian navy would once again be rebuilt and returned to full strength. First testing its strength by tackling the rampant rimworld piracy, before coming to the aid of the Sol-Gov fleet 2414 against a short-lived Kidan incursion on Human colonies. The SCC would later evolve to serve as peacekeepers throughout known space, seeking to prevent and deescalate conflicts between the various species inhabiting the galaxy.

Though the Skrellian naval fleet is dwarfed by the sheer size of the Human fleet, both species enjoy cordial diplomatic, military, and trade relations - a boon which has further bolstered the economic and artistic vibrancy of the Skrellian homeworld and its colonies.

Culture

Skrell traditionally live in large family groups that emulate band-like structures, with the oldest living parent taking charge of and organizing household affairs. Skrellian culture stresses the importance of their varied cultural practices and an appreciation for the arts - which play a central role in Skrellian education.

Still exuberant at the somewhat recent discovery of alien cultures, Skrellian society is one of the more receptive to exchange and interaction with alien species. Though Skrell freely allow immigration of foreign species to their homeworld, the vetting processes are often rigorous and the wait lists long due to the Crown containing little arable land.

Spiritual pursuits are held highly in the Skrell society. While no specific religion practiced on the Crown, the belief in individual souls is common with many Skrell adamantly believing in a blissful afterlife that comes to those who are in touch with their inner selves. Skrell, who typically live in comfort, traditionally believe that material enrichment also plays an important role in reaching one's true self.

Likely due to the fact that Skrell are herbivores, Skrellian orthopraxy considers all life - no matter how small - to be important and have intrinsic value.

Present Day

One of the oldest species on the galactic arena, the Skrell have secured a comfortable position both in terms of their economic output, as well as quality of life. Currently their government focuses on bringing artistic enlightenment to less culturally refined species, as well as enforcing peace in the galaxy in cooperation with Sol Gov and subsequently enjoys friendly relations with most known species.

Though many Skrell never leave the comforts of their homeworld or its colonies, commerce and the arts often necessitate Skrell emigrating to other worlds or working under the employ of foreign companies.

Remember, crewmember, mutual respect and cooperation are the cornerstones of success and productivity!

Gallery

Species on Paradise Station

Dionae

Grey

Humans

Kida

IPC

Plasmamen

Skrell

Slime People

Tajara

Unathi

Vox

Vulpkanin

Drask

Nian